HOMES were left without water for four hours this morning after a water main burst in Ainsdale.

The main, on Sandbrook Road, burst around 4.15am and houses were left without a supply until water could be diverted from alternative mains.

Two homes were flooded and the road collapsed after sand and silt from the pipes collected on its surface, and it is not yet known whether drains have been affected.

Fire crews were at the scene to pump excess water away and council technicians were called to assess the risk and inspect damage.

A spokesman for Sefton Technical Services department said: "The road will eventually be prepared by United Utilities and the Council will ensure that is done to the correct specifications. In the meantime we are ensuring traffic is diverted properly."

Delays on the already congested Formby by-pass were made worse still after a number of road closures around the area.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "Our first priority was to restore a water supply to affected homes, but work has now started on repairing the affected main.

"It's too early to say what caused the problem, but the main will be out of action at least for the rest of today and possibly beyond.

"We apologise to all those affected and will work to get things back to normal as soon as possible."